Johnsburg-area man charged with attempted murder

WOODSTOCK - Bail was set at $300,000 today for a Johnsburg-area man accused of hitting a 29-year-old Fox Lake woman over the head with a shovel and stabbing her Friday.

Bill V. Canales, 41, of 5012 Westwood Drive, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a weapon, said Detective Sgt. Michael Cisner of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

Stephanie Brotherton was flown to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge after police found her injured outside Ability’s Affordable Tree Service, 6811 N. Route 12, Spring Grove, Cisner said. She had several wounds to her head and upper torso but as of Sunday was expected to make a full recovery, Cisner said.

After speaking with Brotherton and reviewing evidence at the scene and in her car, sheriff’s deputies and U.S. Marshals found Canales at a hotel near Grayslake. He was arrested about noon on Saturday without incident.

Canales was treated at Centegra Hospital - McHenry for wounds to his thigh and shoulder and transported to McHenry County jail.

“He suffered the wounds during the scuffle,” Cisner said.

Canales, who works at the Spring Grove area tree service, and Brotherton were acquaintances who got in an argument, Cisner said. Investigation into the motive and the stabbing weapon continue, and additional charges against Canales are possible.

Canales was appointed a public defender today is next due in court Feb. 2 to set a date for a preliminary hearing.